What do Napoleon, Emperor Charlemagne, and Charles de Gaulle have in common? Besides being heavy-duty leaders in history, these guys loved their cheese. Wonder how Camembert got its name or the difference between blue cheese, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola? Dubby Bhagat of The Himalayan Times has put together a brief list of some famous cheeses and how they came into being.

For a more in-depth history, check out The Nibble’s article which breaks down cheese throughout history by time period. No surprise the Dark Ages were stagnate for cheese innovation.

The House Mouse

I was such a picky eater as a kid, my mother called me her House Mouse because cheese was the only thing she knew she could get me to eat without my throwing a argument. Although I have since broadened my palate (finally eating my first strawberry at the ripe old age of 32) I still delight in the discovery of fantastic, funky and flavorful fromage. Stay Cheesy!